Chapter 34: A Bit Too Smooth

Chapter 34: A Bit Too Smooth

There were two carriages that Tori contracted for her weekend trip to the delta: one for Constantine and the brother at the Eshra Shrine, and the other to carry her, Nanny Rey, and Axton. Ilyana and Henrik came with her last week and were spending this weekend, after midterm exams, going over legalities at the guild for their Lyce Projects.

They were also finishing their mid-semester reports on the projects. Tori had taken continuous notes since she started and compiled the various important points into a portfolio. She made a conscious decision not to outline her entire grand plan and instead focused on the slow, methodical resettlement details.

She didnt want to raise expectations or reveal the intricate details for trying to revive the villages economy after their previous way of life proved near impossible in the new environment. In addition, she also didnt know whod happen to see her report and after the brick purchase incident, she became a bit more cautious.

Your friend isnt riding with us? Axton asked as he sat across from Nanny Rey as Tori climbed in.

No, he has to pick up someone from the Eshra Shrine. Fitting five people into this carriage is difficult, so they'll sit in the second one, Tori said as she placed her basket of snacks on the seat next to Axton. Were going to go there first.

My lady, Mr. Zisos is ready, the footman said from outside.

Then, lets go to the Eshra Shrine, Tori said. She felt the carriage bounce as the footman climbed on to his seat beside the driver. Thanks for coming this weekend, Axton. Are you sure its no trouble?

Axton shook his head. No, we just finished our midterm exams, as well, so there is a lull.

Nanny Rey wrapped a blanket around Tori as Tori furrowed her brows. Piers doesnt have anything for you to do?

He has a family dinner and will be at the palace all weekend, Axton replied as he leaned back against the seat bench. If they ask about me, hell tell them Im helping you with your project.

Is that all right? Tori asked, frowning a bit. I mean, youre Piers aide. Even if he doesnt need a knight at his side at all times, shouldnt you focus on him?

I am focusing on him, Axton told her with a small grin. Hes the one who ordered me to go to the delta and help you. You have the support of the first prince for your project; I dont think anyone else has that.

Thats true, Tori said with a nod. And Mr. Zisos and his brother from the church may be able to work with me.

Axton looked impressed. Zisos as in Pope Zisos? Is that his son? Tori nodded.

We met on the road to Horizon before Lyce started and it was a bit awkward, but hes been polite. I thought Id reach out to him about working together with the projects, like Im doing with Ilyana and Henrik. Surprisingly, he agreed. I hope that this weekend will solidify his commitment.

I am sure it will, Nanny Rey said as she combed Toris hair. The church would love to get involved in a project like yours. It would look good for them if they assisted in the resettlement of refugees, even if it is simply giving blessings or leading prayers.

I also hope that Mr. Zisos and his brother will be able to ease my reputation with the village elders. Tori let out a tired sigh. She looked out the window as Nanny Rey braided her hair. Just as she finished, they reached the Eshra Shrine.

Tori climbed out of her carriage, bringing a canvas bag out with her. Constantine was already outside of his carriage, walking towards a young priest in a dull gray robe. He looked about Kasens age and likely just finished his theological studies to enter the priesthood.

Brother Cassius. Constantine greeted him with a warm embrace. Thank you for coming with us.

Im happy to come to serve those in need, Brother Cassius said as he patted Constantine on the back. He looked past Constantine as he was released and saw Tori standing by the carriages. He smiled warmly and gave her a small bow of his head. Lady Guevera?

Tori returned the smile and gave a nod in return. Brother Cassius, thank you for your time.

Not at all, Lady Guevera. Constantine has told me of your work at the delta resettling the refugees. Though I know it is a project assigned to you, you have acted quickly to do what you can. That is admirable.

I appreciate your words, Brother Cassius. Please, she said as she stepped back and motioned to the carriage. Have a seat. It is a few hours to the delta and we will arrive well before sunrise. So as not to burden the refugees further, I have made it a habit to supply the meals for all non-villagers and my party each time we go. She held out the canvas bag in her hand. There is a snack, some coffee in the canister, and in the heating box, some breakfast sandwiches prepared at my friends cafe. My nanny is with me and she will prepare our meals once we are at the delta.

The two seemed surprised that shed prepared a meal for them during the trip. Brother Cassius face softened as he gratefully accepted the bag. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Lady Guevera.

She shook her head. It is what I should do. She stood by the open door to the second carriage and pointed to the compartments underneath the seat benches. There are pillows and blankets there to make your ride more comfortable. If there is anything you need, please let one of the guards escorting us know. She gave them one more smile. Ill see you on the delta.

Tori watched them get into the carriage before turning around and climbing back into hers. She once more wrapped herself in the blanket and settled in for the long ride. Her mind drifted off to dreams of how the test island looked. At least one of the houses shouldve been built and was just waiting for the arrival of the roof tiles, which were en route.

Everyone working to build this city was invaluable to her and she was relieved that they were willing to give her time.

They reached the delta in the dark hours of the morning and Tori woke, as if knowing that they had arrived. Axton was snoring lightly on the bench across from her and Nanny Rey was sleeping lightly beside her. Tori shifted on the bench to peer outside.

Unlike when she came the first time, they didnt stop at the camp that was situated so close to the shore. They were a good five-minute walk in-land, on a part of the delta that was granted to them for permanent use. Tori was surprised that a larger portion of land than she originally asked for had been allocated.

She didnt know if it was thanks to Piers or if it was her detailed report noting that there needed to be room for growth and future industry in the long term that got them that land, but they had it. The yet-to-be-named village was in an area that had remained under the imperial family for ages since it could not be farmed or wasn't seen as viable land by the local nobles.

Do you want it? Piers had asked casually the other week when she got news of the additional land grants.

Tori had laughed as she looked over the map. Sure. Are you going to make me a land baron?

Well, perhaps not a baron....

There were no marches in this region that could oversee the delta and the existing barons and counts were hesitant to take on land now with refugees. It was also in an awkward area between the Alvere Duchy and the Fekete Duchy. The Cosora River was the border between the two, up to a certain point.

Tori did not want the region to fall into the Alvere Duchy. She didnt trust that Montan wouldnt get involved and disregard the lives of over 1,500 people to try to screw her over for personal, Alessa-related reasons.

The Fekete Duchy was also hesitant to take responsibility for the delta. It was difficult to live there with the soft, wet soil and the difficult farming conditions. They were a duchy that had majestic forests, gemstone mines, and produced luxurious fabrics. A poor, underdeveloped region would make them look bad.

Tori let out a little hmph. If the region was built up properly and industries developed sustainably to fit into the environment, a thriving city could be created. Not to mention that the delta was an energy vein. This meant that the lifespan of crystals in the area would be long and the effects they had would be much stronger. It was cost and energy efficient.

Of course, she didnt mention the energy veins to anyone except her brothers. Even Instructor Ignatius didnt know, yet. She thought hed get too excited and want to come...and never leave.

The sun is going to rise soon, Nanny Rey said as she stirred beside her. Do you want to take a walk outside before breakfast?

Tori, still wrapped in a blanket, nodded. While it was still quiet, she liked to walk around the encampment. Commander Kuhn had done an excellent job setting up the tents and splitting up the shared areas evenly amongst the smaller family tents. Tori had supplied heat crystals to the village and had them shipped as soon as she and Instructor Ignatius were able to charge them.

At the very least, the refugees were a bit more comfortable.

The carriage door opened and she hopped out, bundled against the cold, damp morning air by her camping vest and her travel cloak layered over it. Nanny Rey made her put on a knit sapphire blue cap with two pom-poms and made sure she pulled them down over her ears.

Do you want me to come? Nanny Rey asked, lingering by the open carriage door. Inside, Axton began to shiver as the cold air sneaked in, but he didnt wake.

No, there are imperial guards and Im familiar with the encampment, Tori said. I won't be out for too long.

Do you have your dagger?

Yes, Nanny.

Okay. Nanny Rey still seemed somewhat hesitant, but allowed Tori to go on her own. She continued to look out the window as Tori walked along the wooden plank pathway into the tent village.

Small, cheap light crystals had been bought and hung over the front entrances of the tents, as well as along the pathways to provide some light. Tori was reminded of walking along wooden bridges between trees in Indonesia, where strings of lights were wrapped around the rope side rails and canopies of a resort she stayed at.

She smiled to herself. Of course, it wasnt this cold there and she wasnt wearing so many layers.

Lady Guevera. She turned around and saw Constantine closing his carriage door and wrapping his Lyce branded cloak around him as he jogged forward to catch up with her.

Tori gave him a small nod. Good morning, Mr. Zisos. Did you get some rest? I know its difficult on a carriage, with all the bumps.

He smiled and shook his head once. No, Im quite used to it actually. The nearest town to the Temple Mountain is a half days carriage ride away, down a curvy mountain road.

We should all strive to do what the gods call upon us to do, Lady Guevera, he said. He looked towards the carriage. I should go wake Brother Cassius.

Of course. I will see you both soon and take you to the old encampment.

The roof panels were still being installed and the brick work had yet to reach the ceiling, not to mention there was no door, windowpanes, or roof tile, but considering that the house itself was a little larger than her dorm room, it was impressive that it was built in such a short period of time.

The professors, their students, and the villagers who specialized in masonry and building were eager to show her the house that had been designed by Architect Ebbadottir, who had the certification of Imperial Architect. A colleague of Professor Meyer, Architect Ebbadottir was particularly interested in the challenge of building in a wetland area and had excitedly made numerous designs to show Tori.

This particular house had a kitchen area to one side with brick and wood counter space. Then the rest was open space. It was a very rural styled house for a small peasant family, and reminded her of the old one-room, rural farmhouses at an outdoor museum in Hungary. It seemed very small, dark, and lacked privacy to her modern, otherworld eyes, but everyone was excited about it.

With the amount of people working, we are moving along much faster than usual, Architect Ebbadottir said, filled with enthusiasm. This test island may be ready for villagers to move into in two months' time.

Amazing.... Tori said as she walked around the interior perimeter of the house and ran her hands against the brickwork. She looked at the professionals seemingly waiting for her assessment of their work. What is the estimated number of homesteads the test island can accommodate? As discussed, I dont want to overfill an island. The villagers have been understanding and are willing to be patient.

That they are, Lady Guevera, Professor Grey agreed with a small puff of his chest. The test island can accommodate twelve similar sized homesteads. It isnt much, at first, but most of the islands weve surveyed are larger than this. They will be able to accommodate larger homes, as well. Would you like to see the finalized plans for this island?

Toris eyes brightened. If possible, yes.

They walked outside, to the work area. Despite it being a weekend, the fervor of building homes did not stop. Villagers followed the orders given to lay brick and timber to raise homes for their friends and families.

Professor Grey showed her a large piece of paper across a wooden plank on some sawhorses. They added more piles than initially planned to secure the edges of the island and now, there was an ifana stone walkway wrapping around the part of the island that had a finished foundation. All it seemed to need were some nice benches, metal railings, and elegant streetlights, and it would be a nice, relaxing place to walk on warm evenings. With the large pots of insect repelling plants that Uncle Maurizo helped her pick and order, there would be calming greenery.

The houses themselves all had entrances that would face the water and shared courtyards with one well per four homes. Two of the wells were still in the process of being dug, but one of them was already being lined with ifana stone and one of the villages master stonemasons was preparing to create a stone well head.

Later, when there is more time and additional supplies, we can also add another story or two to these existing homes, Architect Ebbadottir said. This will help with village expansion in the future.

Tori nodded. I see. Thats perfect. What about plumping and water?

While this world was a chaotic cherry-picked mess of various European time periods and technologies, their plumping wasnt all that bad in the city, especially in wealthier homes. Outhouses were most common, as were small, separate buildings for bathing with a water plump inside. Ewans house had an outhouse that was actually quite large and had a water plump inside, over a large metal bowl so one could wash their hands.

Her dorm washroom didnt have a tub; just a tiled room with a drain with a lip and a glass door to keep the water from getting everywhere. There was a tiled bench built into the wall for them to sit on and the water that was pulled through the pipes were heated by carnelian or chilled by ice calcite faucet mouths before they came out into a large ceramic wash basin. Theyd use a wooden pitcher to scoop up water and rinse themselves.

Showers as she knew them were not a thing, but she had nothing against classic bath house style bathing facilities. She recently discovered she could overheat a carnelian chunk, put it on the tile, and pour water over it to simulate a steam bath.

As for sewage, there were tanks and pipes underground to contain waste and were layered with three kinds of crystal to filter the water before it was released back into a river. In all honesty, this alone made crystals magic to her.

Weve taken that into consideration as well, Professor Grey brought out some more documents to go over sewage plans and how to keep it out of the well water. Tori just nodded, deciding to leave it all to the experts. How has the allocation of the homes been decided?

For the time being, it has been discussed that these homes will go to families who are not artisans or craftsmen. The reasoning is that those families will require large spaces for their work areas and they understand that planning and building for those will take a longer time. Thus, these homes will likely go to former farmers, which works out, as they will need to soon start to learn to fish and these homes are directly on the water.

We will need more boats, my lady! someone shouted from where the second house was being built.

Tori laughed. The boats are coming! I have yet to announce it at tonights dinner, but I have secured fishermen from the coast to come and study the area to see what can be harvested from the delta and what methods can be used. In a month or so, they will arrive.

These will be taught to us, my lady? another young man asked, his arms covered with mortar. Tori nodded.

Yes, Tori said. I hope that since you cannot farm the land, you can fish the delta. But first, we have to see what it gives us.

Lady Guevera, regarding the bricks, Professor Grey began, a bit worried. While we have enough for the test island, we will soon begin to pile and foundation the first phase of the selected larger islands. Bricks are not needed immediately, but likely by autumn, we can begin building.

Tori frowned and nodded. Thank you for the timeline. This gives me an idea of what were working with. We may need to bring bricks from further away, but if possible, I will try to secure future orders of bricks from our current supplier. The land transport costs are just so much cheaper. She looked towards Architect Ebbadottir. Do we have other choices in materials? Wood? Stone?

Wood wouldnt be recommended for the main material considering the humidity. Stone would work, but it is significantly more expensive. I still favor the brick I showed you.

Tori chewed her lower lip for a moment. Can you give me a list of materials that youd recommend for building here? This is also taking into consideration what we previously discussed on the needs of the craftsmen and artisans.

Of course, Lady Guevera. I can have those for you before you leave.

Thank you, Tori said. She paused and pursed her lips. By the way...are you all satisfied with your current lodgings? I know that you are living in tents-

My lady, our lodgings are very good, Professor Meyer replied, chuckling. You supplement our food and necessities. There are carriages on call for when we need to return to Horizon.

Ive been at research sites that are far worse than this, Professor Grey said with a smile. Besides, its good for our students to be as involved as they are and be on location.

Tori nodded. Then, once more, if anything is needed....

We understand, Lady Guevera.

They continued to lead her around the island and she was joined by Axton and a curious Constantine. Constantine could not yet be fully trusted and she shot a glare at Axton for bringing him along.

He just got on the boat, Axton said in a low voice. I said I was coming to get you for dinner.

Then lets go back before he asks too many questions, Tori replied. She peered into the nearly completed homestead that Constantine had entered. Mr. Zisos. She found him standing by the kitchen, moving his hand along the wooden countertop as his eyes slowly moved along the brick and then up to wooden beams that crossed overhead. His eyes were squinted and his lips were parted. He didnt seem to hear her. Tori sighed and stepped through the threshold. Mr. Zisos!

He snapped around and seemed almost surprised to see her standing there. He blinked a few times before putting on a tired smile.

My apologies, Lady Guevera. I was a bit distracted, he said as he looked at the gap between the brick and the roof planks. The houses in my home village were similar.

Tori looked at him and then followed his gaze. She opened her mouth, but paused. Wasnt responding just asking for this tragic backstory? No. No, Im weak to those. I already know his sad backstory. I read it on wiki. I dont need more details. Is that so? Dammit, Tori.

You mightve heard why my uncle adopted me. A plague spread in our home village when he just became pope. Constantine furrowed his brow. I was one-year-old when it happened and was the only survivor. I dont remember anything about the village, but when I was older, he brought me back because he wanted me to know where we came from. The houses were still empty; no one wants to move in, even though the plague has passed. He had a sad, wry smile as he looked at Tori. The bricks and beams...a small, one room home. Its a far cry from the ornate halls of the Temple Mountain.

She hated that she was moved by his tragic backstory. She hated that she knew he was telling the truth and that his eyes were red because he remembered seeing an empty house, but likely couldnt remember living it or his parents that died inside. She hated that he was a love interest and she felt bad for him.

Feelings are a burden, she thought to herself once more. Tori lowered her head. Well, you know they say that a house doesnt make a home; the love within its walls does.

He seemed to let her words sink in for a moment before his lips curled up just a bit. Did you read that in another obscure book? he asked, his voice a bit lighter.

Tori offered him a small chuckle. I do like to read.

Constantine nodded. He removed his hand from the counter and walked towards her. He took a deep breath and extended his hand forward. Lady Guevera, I would like to work with you to start my Lyce project here on the delta. I will write the formal proposal with the selected location and send it in with my report by midweek. I will also reference you in the report and will ask you to look over it before I submit it.

Tori looked at his hand and then at him. How will this project be affected if you decide to transfer to the seminary next year?

In such a case, I can report my final project as is. If it is accepted, the project can be handed over to another person. Brother Cassius seems to have an interest, as well. Constantine continued to hold his hand out. Do we have an accord, Lady Guevera?

Tori thought for a moment. She took in a quiet, deep breath and tried to listen to her gut, as Kasen told her. Nothing was alarming her aside from her usual suspicion, but if she was careful, she could mitigate any harm.

As if noticing her hesitation, Constantine smiled and bit his lips to keep from laughing. If this is about what happened at the cafe before winter break, I can assure you that I respect your rejection. I wish to work with you as a fellow student, with no ulterior motive.

Tori wanted to groan and duck out of the house at the reminder. Youre the adult here, Tori. Dont get embarrassed by a kid. She stood up straight, lifted her hand, and shook his hand firmly. Then, to a friendly partnership, Mr. Zisos.